Ski Mountain High in California

January 25, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Just outside LA you can hit the slopes!


A short drive from the major cities in Southern California, Mountain High Ski Resort is a must visit this winter. Whether you are a skier, snowboarder, or looking to go down the hill by sled this is the place. My visit was a pleasure from start to finish. The drive is pleasant, the food is tasty, and the winter sports are where it’s at.

Me in my Mountain High Yeti mask!

If you didn’t know January is National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. So I figured I would take on the challenge at Mountain High. Skiing is totally new to me and I could not have picked a better destination to get started. Everyone raved about their ski instructors and I agree. Mountain High has a top notch ski school, their instructors are certified PSIA and AASI, use the latest equipment, and boast some of the highest success rates in the country with lessons for all skill levels.

If you are an expert already there is plenty to keep you busy. Mountain High is broken into three resorts, East, West, and North. Each is packed full of great runs and when the weather gifts SoCal with snow we are ready to rock. There are 290 acres of skiable terrain, The trail breakdown is 25% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 35% Advanced to keep everyone racing along. With a maximum elevation of 8,200 feet keep hydrated and don’t be surprised if you get winded more easily. Hydration is key.

Mountain High’s North Pole Tubing Park offers some family fun for everyone no lessons required! They have ten lanes of high speed sledding with a magic carpet to get you back up to the top of the hill! All the fun and none of the awkward climb with your tube to suck up your energy. The Park is only open on weekends and holidays weather permitting so make sure you check online.

NORTH POLE TUBING PARK PHOTOGRAPHER: MOUNTAIN HIGHYou can read up on all of the ski and weather reports before you go, and you should! The drive is not terribly windy, but you might need chains on your tires at certain times. Or you can take advantage of my favorite feature, the Rally Bus. Go from one of the central pick-up points in LA or Orange County and avoid the drive all together! If you are a local who has never dealt with icy road conditions keep that option in mind.

Find out about all the Mountain High adventures on their website mthigh.com

See pics and get updates on Mountain High’s Social Media – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram

Mountain High Ski Resort
24510 State Highway 2,
Wrightwood, CA 92397

 

 

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Abiie’s Huggs Contour Baby Carrier Review

January 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Carry your kiddo in style and comfort.

Nothing is more important than your baby’s health and having the ability to keep your little one close and safe is a wonderful thing. Abbie’s Huggs Contour Baby Carrier is an innovative carrier designed to prevent infant hip dysplasia while offering a booster seat that is comfortable for the carrier and carry-e.

This lightweight carrier, just 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg), is made of 100% cotton and 100% polyester mesh. The fabric feels strong and firm yet soft and smooth so it won’t irritate soft baby skin. It comes in two color options, a nice grey or neutral khaki. Either looks great and if you want to add some style you can always make it a craft project to individualize your Huggs. All of the buttons clip nicely and have a strong hold so the carrier feels secure.
The Abiie’s Huggs Contour’s is special in its design because it focuses on preventing hip dysplasia. This may be something you have heard discussed before for babies or adults, heck it is a common point of discussion amongst pet owners because it can effect us all. In hip dysplasia “the top of the thighbone doesn’t fit securely into the hip socket. This problem may affect one or both hip joints.” – WebMD  This is of course uncomfortable and can go so far as complete dislocation. So with that concern why not embrace a carrier that keeps the kiddo “ergonomically seated in a healthy hip position”?

The Abiie’s Huggs Contour comes with teething pads, an adjustable neck support, and sleeping hoods. It was comfortable for me strapping the carrier on my body. (I did need assistance to tighten the back strap)  The padded straps are ideal especially when in use for long periods of time, but for the rear facing position I felt they crowded the baby’s face a bit. This could have to do with my height, at 5’1″ most items that easily accommodate someone 5’10” take some adjusting. Overall once I was settled into my Huggs the fit was great. If you have a family like mine, my husband is 6′, you might want two carriers to save yourself readjusting straps. Or maybe now that I just have my Huggs Contour all set up I just don’t want to share…
There are a lot of ways to “use” the Huggs Contour. You might think you’re taking part in pairs iceskating with all of the carry options Huggs offers, Front-Inward; Front-Outward; Back Carry; Hip Carry: Front-Inward, Front-Outward. Master them all and the Parent Olympics are in your future! But really, it is great to have a versatile product as your preferences might change depending on activity and how big baby is.

 

Features We Love

  • The straps stay in place well despite the smooth material.
  • Almost all of the carrier is washable! – Cause lets face it things get messy out in the real world.
  • The Double-layer Center Panel – basically a flap to open on hot days and expose the mess lining for added breathability.

Downsides

  • The padded booster seat part of the carrier made it too large to easily fit in our diaper bag for convenient storage.
  • We are not sure that this product would work for larger parents. You might want to check out the waist band dimensions and other sizing details below.

The Abiie’s Huggs Contour is a great option when you are searching for a baby carrier. If you have any history of hip issues in your family or are concerned with them developing read up on all of the details on the Abiie’s website to learn more about the product and their design.

Learn more about Abiie’s products on their website – Abiie.com – or on Facebook

Abiie HUGGS Baby Carrier Hip Seat

Product Details Complete Carrier: 

  • Weight: 2.2 lb /1kg
  • Max-load: Up to 45 lb/20 kg.

Shoulder Strap Dimension:

(A ) Shoulder Straps Distance

  • Max-width: 13.5”(34 cm)
  • Min-width:  3.5” (9cm)

(B) Shoulder Strap to Waist Belt

  • Max-height: 20” (51 cm)
  • Min-height: 12.5” (32cm)

Waist Belt Dimension:
(C ) Height: 5” (13 cm)
(W) Waist Size

  • Max:  46” (118 cm)
  • Min: 27” (68.58 cm)

Seat dimension:

(S) Seat Size

  • Max-width: 8.6″ (22 cm)
  • Min-width: 7″ (18 cm)
  • Length: 6.69” (17 cm)
  • Height:  5.11” (13 cm)

Material. Chemical free, 100% cotton lining fabric, 100% polyester padding, and breathable air-flow mesh.

Abiie HUGGS Baby Carrier Hip Seat

 

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Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

January 16, 2018 by 1 Comment

History is fun in Virginia!

American History might only go back a few hundred years, but amazingly it is still alive and well at the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. These two locations give new life to the pages of your school textbooks. There, you can see what the days were like for the early colonists in Jamestown, then travel to the nearby American Revolution Museum and compare their experiences to those of families and soldiers a century later. Both are pivotal times in the development of our country and you don’t want to miss out on either experience. Take a day and spend it at these two great locations.

America’s first permanent English colony, the Jamestown Settlement, is an opportunity to embrace the experience of the early colonists. Living history reenactments of a Powhatan Indian village, climbing on board the recreated English ships, and a colonial fort immerse visitors in the sights, sounds, and even smells of daily life in the early 17th century. The interaction continues, and you can watch demonstrations and ask questions of the ‘costumed historical interpreters’ (the official job title of the reenactors).

Exhibits and galleries display artifacts and tell the story of European colonization. The impact of settlements like Jamestown on the local Powhatan Indians is a fascinating topic to investigate. There is also information on the first Africans known to come to Virginia. The cultures of three continents coming together is an amazing look into the origins of America. The documentary they show, 1607: A Nation Takes Root, starts your journey into the past. From there families, can enjoy time spent learning just how different life would be if they were born 400 years ago.

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown ramps up the action. The dramatic events of the Revolution can be seen throughout the museum galleries or on the 180-degree surround screen film. Visitors can watch “The Siege of Yorktown” then go on to tour and compare it to the modern day city.  Kids will love all of the activities at the Continental Army encampment and the recreated 18th century farm. Join the American regiment for drills or watch artillery fire while chatting with soldiers. This and so much more is embodied with the American Revolution Museum’s living history exhibits.

Both the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will wow history lovers and get kids excited about learning. Set aside at least four hours to enjoy everything they have to offer. There are even specials available if you decide to visit both on your trip. Make it a historic day in Virginia and visit the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

Coming up shortly is the yearly event Military Through the Ages, Jamestown Settlement – Military re-enactors and modern-day units show how uniforms, weapons, and military tactics evolved through the centuries. You can see this impressive display of armed forces from March 17-18- any history or military enthusiast will have a blast (pun intended). There are live  re-stagings, weapons and ammunitions use, reenactments of battles, and more. Some of the costumed re-enactors tell stories, give lessons, and help kids make crafts, “weapons” of their own, battle flags, instruments, learn to lead (or take part in) battles, parades, cook on open fires, explain how life was in his or her time period- the list goes on and on. Explore (recreations of) boats that once sailed the open seas- and how cramped the quarters were for sailors and settlers. Make sure you visit the recreated Native American village to get to know a bit about the people of the Powhatan Tribe.  There is so much to do during the Military Through the Ages event, there is no way to get it all done. It is one of the most fun learning experiences you will have with your children- just don’t tell them how much they will learn. 

Check out their websites for more details, tickets, and times.

Jamestown Settlement – Site

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown – Site

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Fall and Winter at Woodloch

January 10, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Enjoy the Seasons in the Pocono Mountains

Woodloch Family Resort has it all this season and there is no better way to see the Pocono Mountains than with a family trip to Woodloch. Whether the trees are tipped with crimson leaves or topped with pure white snow, you could not imagine a more lovely local to get away to, and now is the time to plan your getaway!

Fall is a great time to take a ride through the countryside, and kids will love the horse or tractor drawn view. Halloween has the Haunted Hayride for those brave enough to face a fright in the night. Or maybe come for the Holidays and get everyone outside for the Festival of Lights. Enjoy the evening air and glowing decorations before heading in for some hot cocoa. The Nature Trail is lit up for the Holiday Season to give the ride a whole new feel. No matter the time you pick, there is always something going on at Woodloch.

The food served at Woodloch Resorts will keep everyone in your family happy- especially those who can take a vacation from cooking.

You can also join in the Yule Log Hunt, holiday caroling, and more before enjoying cookies and eggnog. The fun doesn’t stop! There are tons of winter sports to keep everyone going or the spa to stay put and enjoy. If hitting the slopes is on the agenda then there are snow tubes and nearby skiing. Ice skating can also be on the agenda. Woodloch will be opening an EZ Glide 500 synthetic ice rink for year round enjoyment too.

Tubing is available seasonally right outside the main restaurant area, weather permitting.

With all inclusive options for meals or a-la-cart dining there is a package to match your needs. A room or guest house, accommodations cover those with families or couples looking to take a romantic trip. Woodloch Family Resort takes care of everything while you sit back and enjoy your vacation.

Bumper Cars (indoors) is year round fun for everyone

Find out more on the Woodloch website Woodloch.com

Or take a look on Social Media – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram 

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Shop for Your House – Holiday Gift Guide

December 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Consider something new this Holiday Season, shopping for your house like it is someone on your list. Why not? Treat yourself to a nice new look in the bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen. Heck if you want to go a little further add each room to your gift giving list! These are the places you spend time every day so take a little time this holiday and embrace making each room what you want it to be and add some luxury to the every day.

Here are a few items that you might not think of as Holiday purchases, but why wouldn’t they be…

GelPro Anti-Fatigue Mat – This item is great for any number of people on your list, yourself included! You spend time standing different places in your house so do it in comfort. Whether you are thinking about this for the kitchen or even the garage, anywhere you stand to work should have an anti-fatigue mat to support you and help your back, knees, and feet. What I love about this company is how many design options there are as well as the fact that the product is made in America. Read our full review here. 

Zenhaven Mattress by Saatva – Treat your bedroom to a new mattress this Holiday! You spend so much of your life in bed, you deserve to be as comfortable as possible. There are a lot of mattresses on the market, both online and in stores, but Zenhaven is a top choice for anyone looking for affordable quality. They have a number of different options with their different lines, Saatva Mattress, Loom & Leaf, and Zenhaven. Their products are hand crafted in America and delivered to your door. For more details you can check out our review here.

Laguna Beach Textile Company – Bath and Beach Towels –   Dress up your bathroom with a little luxury. You pick out soft comfortable clothes so make sure you are doing the same for your towels. Quality towels last for a long time, get used every day, and really add something to the bathroom. Or if you are a fan of a larger towel upgrade your beach towels. There are some great options at Laguna Beach Textile Company. You can see details in our full review here.

 

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Laguna Beach Textile Company Review

December 19, 2017 by Leave a Comment

High Quality Towels with Style.

Laguna Beach Textile Company is the perfect example of a young entrepreneur taking personal experience to create an amazing product. Lets face it, not all towels are created equal. Softness, durability, absorbency, all play a role. These factors make the experience of our daily towel use what it is, or in the case of Laguna Beach Textile Company what it can be.

I was most interested in their signature product, beach towels. I know this is not traditionally the season for it, but when you want to give luxury and quality in a product that will get a lot of use any opportunity to gift is ideal. So I picked out their Midnight Blue and Seafoam Cabana Beach Towel. The company’s owner was himself a cabana boy working at a resort in Laguna Beach so I expected to be impressed and I was! These towels are thick, beautifully made, and ultra absorbent. There are a few design options, all of which make a stylish addition to any home.

For those that are looking for something more daily use they also have bath towels or a new line of Turkish Towels. The bath towels are made from Aegean Turkish cotton and fun new fact, there is a special measurement to gage towel thickness, GMI. Most towels rate 600 GMI, but Laguna Beach Textile Company Towels are 800 GMI, 33% thicker than average towels. Colors are limited, they come in White, Midnight Blue, and Pewter Gray. Any of these is a great mainstay for your regular use towels and you can always throw in an accent towel if you want to tie in your bathroom decor.

I am also in love with the Turkish Towel. One side is smooth cotton while the other is looped terry cotton. You get the absorbency of a cabana towel on one side and the sleek look of a Turkish Towel on the other. The fringe also adds a nice touch to the appearance. A plus to this towel is that it gets softer with every wash so very user friendly.

For all of you picnickers and beach goers there is one more item to consider. The Newport Picnic & Outdoor Blanket, which is a combination of fleece with a waterproof fabric backing that will keep you dry no matter where you set down your picnic basket. If you enjoy going to parks, outdoor events, or yes, the beach, this is a must have item. It comes with its own carry case and adjustable strap so transport is easy and hands free.  The waterproof backing is the feature that puts this over the top for me, plus when at the beach by having both this and your beach towels you can keep the towels sand free and sit on the blanket.

Take this opportunity to upgrade your home with comfort and quality from Laguna Beach Textile Company or improve your picnic basket and beach gear.  You can find out more about the company on their website – Lagunabeachtextileco.com

Or check out Laguna Beach Textile Company on Social Media – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

 

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Chill at the Queen Mary, Long Beach Ca.

December 15, 2017 by Leave a Comment

A Winter Wonderland in Southern California!

Chill at the Queen Mary is the United States’ first-ever Ice Adventure Park and it is a great way to enjoy the Holiday Season. With the beautiful Queen Mary ship lit for the Holidays in the background Chill is a lovely destination of lights and activities. There are any number of adventures to enjoy, from the sweet, to the bumpy, to the high flying, they have options for the whole family. Why not also enjoy some seasonal specialties of both food and drink to add to the experience.

The most obvious activity for an Ice Park is skating of course and that is the center piece of Chill. Included in the price of admission this will keep you busy as you skate from section to section. Skate through a giant igloo dome showing the Northern Lights, enjoy the live shows on the different stages along the path. You can hop off at the Swiss Chalet for a snack, or to take a break. A large portion of the park is accessably by foot or skate.

The next Winter classic that comes to mind is sledding. My favorite to enjoy is Chill’s tubing hill where you can race down next to your friends and family. If something milder or for the very little ones is more your speed check out a ride on the Worlds Largest Rocking Horse! If you get the Ultimate Expedition there are some more rides included or for an additional fee you can ride the bumper boats, take a turn around the speedway on a tricycle, or zipline in the park. Feeling creative? Try your hand at decorating a stocking or a gingerbread house. You can also take a break for the 4D Rudolph video on the actual ship theatre and get a look inside the Queen Mary.

The Park is broken up into different countries to offer an International flare to Chill. Germany, Holland, Switzerland, China, Russia, and the North Pole! Each offers their own activities, live performances, and seasonal treats. Pretzels, beer, and an authentic Alpine band in Germany. Shuffleboard on ice and vodka at the Palace Ice Bar which is kept frozen by keeping the room at freezing temperatures. China has dumplings, a winter favorite there, and the best shows! Acrobats, the costumed Lion Dance, and Shaolin Monks all take the stage in front of the Tea House where you can get a hot drink before sitting down to watch.

Chill at the Queen Mary runs now through January 7th 2018. A visit to the Ice Park is a lovely taste of winter with an International flare for locals or tourists. Expect to be at the park for the night if you are going to experience everything Chill has to offer. You can find out more about Chill at the Queen Mary on their site Queenmary.com or check it out on Social Media – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

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Holiday Gift Guide for Pets

December 15, 2017 by Leave a Comment

The Holidays are here and there is a family member that we don’t want to ignore. Your pet shouldn’t feel left out of the celebration! Here are a few functional luxuries that you can add to your ‘To Buy’ list this Holiday Season.

The High 5 Dogs Clic Leash – This item is a great addition for anyone that goes out and about with their dog. We reviewed it here on Have Sippy and were impressed with the quality and innovation of this leash and their over the shoulder option for hands free walking. After writing the review I was in a restaurant and saw no less than three dogs tethered to tables and realized just how great a product this is. Read out review here.

 

Green Goo – Fur & Feathers Homeopathic Care – by Sierra Sage – If your pet has any issues like dry, cracked paws, cuts, scrapes, or skin irritations here is a natural option to treat them. Avoid chemicals and consider this herbal remedy. We tested it on a dog with a scrape and were really happy with the results. It does have a nice but strong scent and works like a balm so firmer than a cream you just spread on. I like the fact that it can even be used on humans, because that is the standard I want for anything going on my pet.

Elf Pet Pajamas – At Target – These aren’t just cute for your pet. They have matching pajamas for the whole family! Kids, parents, and pet can walk around this Holiday as elves. They have more than just this design in pet night wear so take a look here or elsewhere on line but imagine the fun family pictures this can make.

Convertible Igloo Pet Bed – This 2 in 1 pet bed is a great option for anyone interested in the Igloo bed but might not want to use it year round. My dog loves it in the winter when my room tends to get cold. In the summer I can use it just as a regular bed. The only thing is it seems to only come in a small size so good for small dogs and cats. You can check it out on Amazon.
Convertible 2 in 1 Dog or Cat Pet Bed, Chocolate

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